SEVILLE & CORDOBA - LIVING THE ARTIST’S DREAM

Allow yourself to be seduced by the enigmatic charm of these fascinating cities. Join English artist, Noel Bensted  & Kerri Ainsworth for a 10-day painting and drawing workshop in Seville and Cordoba.

10-DAY ART WORKSHOP IN SEVILLE, SPAIN (APRIL 12 - 21, 2023)

Just like the powerful Flamenco dance, Seville is a city that captivates you with its intense passion, mysterious sadness and old secrets. Like any exotic temptress, its the mystery that draws you in. As you navigate the labyrinth of ancient streets, dark alleys, and ornate plazas that comprise the beloved Barrio De Santa Cruz district you can’t help but be captivated by this city and wonder at her past. Every corner you turn there is another Baroque church, mosque, synagogue or cathedral that exposes a new layer, yet gives no answer to the city’s enigmatic charm. The city is mysterious and beautiful and full of flavour, colour and life. 

Córdoba's real charms unfold as you explore the winding, stone-paved lanes of the medieval city, wandering between wrought-iron balconies and lamps, potted plants, overhanging trees, golden-stone buildings and verdant interior patios, emerging every few minutes on yet another quaint little hidden plaza.

What better way to absorb the wonders of this city than to spend time drawing and painting in the company of like-minded people under the guidance of a gifted teaching artist.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Noel's love of colour and light and his fascination with people and culture have developed into a passion for travelling, painting and exploring his adopted country of Morocco and nearby Seville.  An English artist, Noel now lives and paints in Fez, while exhibiting in the UK, Europe and Morocco. Noel's artwork is driven by a love of narrative, capturing fleeting moments in time and imbuing them with a filmic quality. For this reason, he always works from life.

Noel has a BA and MA from the Royal College of Art, London. He has exhibited extensively throughout the UK and the USA, including solo shows from 2004 at the Medici Gallery in London. As well as Morocco, he has travelled and painted throughout the cities and landscapes of America, Cuba and Europe.

ACCOMMODATION - CASA PALACIO SAN JOSE - A 17th CENTURY BAROQUE PALACE

Casa Palacio San José is an original seventeenth-century Baroque manor in Barrio De Santa Cruz, right in the heart of the historic centre. Since its restoration, it has been protected as a building of special architectural historic interest. The house-palace San José is probably the most beautiful and exceptional in the area. The detailed restoration greatly respects the original construction; the columns, arches and beautiful finishes make every day spent here a remarkable experience.

It now houses five luxury apartments in the middle of Seville’s historic centre and in walking distance from the main tourist attractions.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 (SEVILLE)

Welcome to beautiful Seville where you will be spending the next 6 days painting, drawing and exploring this fascinating city. On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation. We will be based at the 17th century Baroque palace, Casa Palacio San Jose, made up of 5 separate apartments.

In the late afternoon, Noel and Kerri will discuss with you the workshop itinerary, followed by a Welcome Drink on the rooftop terrace overlooking the old town. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Dinner with the group, including our host, Kerri Ainsworth and artist Noel Bensted. (D)

DAY 2 - THURSDAY, APRIL 13 (SEVILLE)

This morning after Noel’s painting demonstration, we will explore our local area of Santa Cruz with a guide. It is the most picturesque and delightful part of the city, with narrow winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, where you can sit outside a bar, enjoy some tapas and watch the world go by. Wandering round the small squares lined with orange trees getting lost in the maze of improbably narrow alleys, where the ancient houses lean so far towards each other that they almost seem to touch, and admiring the leafy patios of private mansions through their iron gates, will be one of the best experiences of your visit to Seville. It is incredibly picturesque and full of history and stories, with many old palaces, churches and hidden passageways. (B)

DAY 3 - FRIDAY, APRIL 14 (SEVILLE)

Today after Noel’s demonstration and talk,  we will explore Plaza de España and the surrounding Parque de Maria Luisa. This completely over-the-top confection of grandiose buildings, impressive fountains, mini-canals and Venetian-style bridges was completed for the 1929 Exposición Iberoamericana. It has been the site for many movies including Cairo in David Lean’s epic movie “Lawrence of Arabia.” It sits to the side of Maria Luisa Park, a beautiful Moorish style open space with tiled fountains and lovely gardens, a delightful oasis of green and the perfect place to relax and paint. (B)

DAY 4 - SATURDAY, APRIL 15 (SEVILLE)

This morning we will visit the exquisite 16th century Andalusian palace Casa de Pilatos, with its a harmonious blend of Mudéjar-Gothic, Renaissance and Romantic styles. Its stunning courtyard gardens, are a perfect spot to relax and draw. 

This afternoon is at your leisure, as tonight we will cross the river and explore the tapas and flamenco bars in Triana, the gypsy quarter. (B,D)

DAY 5 - SUNDAY, APRIL 16 (SEVILLE)

Today we will explore the grand Palacio Real Alcazar de Seville and spend the day drawing in and around the palace with its intricate maze of gardens, ponds and palm trees. This palace is one of the oldest European Royal Palaces still in use. A magnificent marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture, Seville’s Unesco-listed palace complex is a breathtaking spectacle. Its intimidating exterior protects stunning interior architecture, historical artworks and amazing water gardens. (B)

DAY 6 - MONDAY, APRIL 17 (SEVILLE)

After Noel’s morning demonstration and talk, we will walk to Torres del Oro, by the river to draw and paint. Later we will head over the river to explore Seville’s colourful old quarter, Triana. This is another district in Seville, with its own distinct colour and flavour, famous for its great tapas and flamenco scene among its narrow streets, and buzzing nightlife. Lap up the local colour, while drawing and painting in cute little cafes and bars. (B)

DAY 7 - TUESDAY, APRIL 18 (CORDOBA)

This morning after breakfast, our private minibus and driver will take us to Córdoba, a magical Andalucian

fusion of Spanish and Moorish cultures. Andalucía is simply one of the most beautiful corners of Europe yet for many it remains relatively undiscovered. It’s a land where the excesses of the modern era seem not to have taken root and where travellers are genuinely welcomed. The food is a delight, with the area noted for its seafood and its famous drink, the fortified wine from Jerez we call sherry.

After dropping our luggage off at the hotel, our guide will take us on a tour of the city including the famous Mezquita, the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed in the Moorish world. It is a building of extraordinary power and mystery with an arcaded hall supported by over 850 columns made of semi-precious stones. Another highlight is the immense, well-preserved Roman bridge from the 1st century AD and the picturesque alleys where hundreds of geraniums hang from the walls. (B)

DAY 8 - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 (CORDOBA)

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we will walk over the Roman bridge and paint by the riverbank looking back at the city. After lunch in Plaza de Jeronimo Paez, we will spend the afternoon there painting, drawing and soaking up the ambiance. (B)

DAY 9 - THURSDAY APRIL 20 (CORDOBA)

Today after Noel’s demonstration and talk, we will head out into the streets and plazas of Córdoba to paint and draw. We will explore Calle de Flores, Plaza Angel Torres and Calleja del Indiana with its flowers and arches. Tonight our farewell dinner will be in a restaurant in the heart of the old Jewish quarter. It has an interior that comes as a pleasant surprise, replete with a typical Andalucian patio, pleasant dining rooms and a charming rooftop terrace. Southern Spanish cuisine with a modern touch. (B,D)

DAY 10 - FRIDAY, APRIL 21 (CORDOBA)

Today is our last day. After a long and lazy breakfast, we say farewell to our newly made friends and continue our onward journey. (B)

NOTE:

This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. For partners who don’t wish to participate in the workshop, there are plenty of activities of interest. There are great places to just wander, explore, photograph and hang out.

This trip involves walking to locations each day on uneven surfaces, so for this reason is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. 

 All our tours are very flexible and this one in particular is based on the principle of slow-travel. Apart from your art materials, all you need is a creative spirit and sense of adventure.

Art Travel Adventures Pty Ltd

Phone: +61 (0) 417 033233
info@arttraveladventures.com.au